Bonnethead shark (Sphyrna tiburo) care guide

Group
Marine fish
Family
Sphyrnidae (hammerhead sharks)
Water
saltwater
Maximum size
213 cm
Temperature
24–27°C
pH
8.1–8.4
Hardness
Salinity SG 1.023–1.026
Care level
expert
Temperament
semi_aggressive
Reef safe
no

Care

Tank and decor: at 213 cm adult length this shark outgrows home aquaria and is for public-aquarium-sized systems. The list quotes a minimum of 2600 US gallons (about 9840 litres), and as an active swimmer it needs a long, round-cornered or oval system with open swimming space. Strong filtration and a secure cover are essential. Water: our sources give no species-specific figures, so the values here are general marine aquarium guidance, not species-specific: 24–27 °C, pH 8.1–8.4 and specific gravity 1.023–1.026. Sharks are sensitive to copper and many other medications. Behaviour and identification: a small hammerhead with a rounded, shovel-shaped head. The list says it is occasionally available, needs expert care and must keep moving to breathe. Newly added fish often swim at the surface with the head raised, which lessens as they settle. At up to 213 cm in the list it is for public-aquarium-sized systems only. Selling: our policies require the adult size and long-term tank needs to be stated clearly in the listing. Large fish must travel by a specialist live-animal courier (see the Livestock shipping guide). Sources: Wikipedia, List of marine aquarium fish species (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Listofmarineaquariumfishspecies). Checked October 2026.

Diet

Carnivorous. Feed a varied diet of meaty marine foods such as squid, prawn, mussels, clams and fish pieces, with a vitamin and iodine supplement to help prevent goitre. Feed two or three times a week to appetite rather than daily; overfeeding causes fast growth and health problems.

Breeding

Our sources for this page give no species-specific breeding details.

Compatibility and tank mates

Not reef safe: it eats crabs, shrimps and other crustaceans as well as small fish. Only for public aquaria.

Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

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